Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has strongly rebutted the allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, terming it a stage-managed, artificial and fake narrative. 

 

He was responding to a video allegation shared by Mr Gandhi regarding the India-US trade arrangement.

 

In a social media post, Mr Goyal said that the Congress leader made the allegations alongside party activists who were posing as farmer representatives. 

 

He dismissed the claims as completely baseless and accused Mr Gandhi of attempting to mislead the country’s Annadatas.

 

The Union Minister asserted that the interests of farmers have been fully safeguarded by the Government and emphasised that the agreement is designed to benefit farmers, fishermen, youth, MSMEs, startups, artisans and Vishwakarmas.

 

Mr Goyal said that the Congress party is repeatedly spreading misinformation to create fear among the farming community.

 

He clarified that commodities such as soyameal and corn have not been given any concessions under the arrangement and therefore do not pose a threat to farmers’ interests.

 

He noted that, India currently imports around 5.5 lakh tonnes of Apples annually due to domestic demand exceeding production. 

 

He said the government has not permitted unlimited imports but only introduced a quota lower than existing import levels.

 

The Commerce Minister added that imports will be allowed only at a Minimum Import Price of 80 rupees per kilogram, along with a duty of 25 rupees per kilogram.

 

Mr Goyal also reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently prioritised farmers’ welfare and remains committed to protecting both agricultural interests and national growth.